ADF - NFL Mock Draft 2020

This is it for the speculation as all our questions will be answered on Thursday as the NFL Draft will get underway. With these unprecedented times altering our normal way of life – a full digital draft will provide the first level of excitement.   

Lots of smoke has been thrown out to confuse and gain leverage as team’s jock for position to select their coveted player. We at ADF provide our final theories to where the next generation of talent will reside. It shall be exciting to see how close we get. Have a Happy Draft Day!!! 

ADF Mock Draft: ROUND 1

Cincinnati Bengals | Pick 1:  

Joe Burrow (QB)

The one constant over this process has been the speculation that Joe Burrow would be the savoir for the Bengals. We can’t envision any situation where this doesn’t play out and Cincinnati finally has something to smile about once again. The best quarterback is off the board at pick one!

Washington Redskins | Pick 2:  

Chase Young (DE)

The Redskins will attempt to bait quarterback hungry clubs to pay a steep price to move into the number two slot, but the price will be far too vast. As the clock continues to roll, Washington will gladly select the best overall player in the draft solidifying a defense that already has ample pieces to work with.

Detroit Lions | Pick 3:  

MOCK TRADE ALERT: Miami Dolphins (From Pick 5)

Tua Tagovailoa (QB)

With the Chargers on the heels of the Dolphins vying for a new franchise passer to remake their future, Miami will orchestrate a deal with the Lions to move up to secure their man. While we have some reservation that Justin Herbert may be who Miami values more based on the injury risk of Tagovailoa, they surly won’t pass him up. Tua Tagovailoa will be the new face of South Beach for the long term.   

New York Giants | Pick 4: 

Ceedee Lamb (WR)

While we completely understand the major issue throughout the years has been offensive line, general manager Dave Gettleman will pull the shocker of the 2020 draft in selecting the best receiver on the board. Having a young quarterback with good levels of promise and a super star running back carrying the load – the Odell Beckham replacement becomes Ceedee Lamb. Gettleman will address the offensive line in the later rounds, but he’ll drool at the opportunity to stack his offense with talented ballers.

Miami Dolphins | Pick 5:

MOCK TRADE ALERT: Detroit Lions (From Pick 3)

Isaiah Simmons (LB)

The Lions will become early winners in this draft as they could move down two spots and collect more draft capital to round out this roster. Knowing they require a healthy amount of difference makers on the defensive side, Isaiah Simmons becomes that player to turn the entire unit around. Simmons has the ability to play all over the field and will allow coach Matt Patricia to scheme in many different ways. Snagging Simmons while gaining draft picks is a massive score for Detroit.

Los Angeles Chargers | Pick 6:

Justin Herbert (QB)

We’ve seen many predict the notion that the Chargers will attempt to move down from pick six if Tagovailoa is selected ahead of them. We aren’t in that camp and still believe that Justin Herbert will be the newest member of the Bolts. Herbert is a very interesting passer that has good levels of both great skill and work-in progress. However, the Chargers will be delighted to stay put at their original pick and still get the future at the quarterback position.  

Carolina Panthers | Pick 7:  

Jeff Okudah (DB)

The Carolina Panthers have made many changes this off-season and under this new regime – more will come. The Panthers have glaring holes on the defensive side and will need true elite talent to right the ship. Jeff Okudah is our pick for being the best overall player at the defensive back position and will provide island type play for the Panthers. Offensive line could also be a strong consideration here, but solidifying the defensive backfield is far too important.

Arizona Cardinals | Pick 8:

Tristian Wirfs (OT)

Under coach Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals made strides last season with Kyler Murray running the show. Adding to that, an off-season blockbuster trade to bring DeAndre Hopkins to the desert only magnifies the potential power this offense could become in 2020. Having the fortune of now picking for need, the Cards will undoubtedly move to secure protection for their young franchise passer. Tristian Wirfs will be a day one starter and a true difference maker in letting this offense gain strength.

Jacksonville Jaguars | Pick 9:  

Derrick Brown (DT)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have become something of an enigma as the mass exodus of star talent (via trade & release) has been rather puzzling to us. Having to once again rebuild the entire club after they had so many wonderful building blocks, the process always starts in the trenches. Derrick Brown is the best interior lineman in this draft and will provide a good level of ability to form a nice tandem with Josh Allen.   

Cleveland Browns | Pick 10:  

Jedrick Willis (OT)

The Cleveland Browns were a grave disappointment last season amidst all the talent they brought in the year prior. Once again changing the direction this club needs to move, a new coach and general manager were hired by ownership. Clearly, all the talent in the world can’t produce if the offensive line can’t stop defenses from entering the backfield. With Jack Conklin already signed on via free agency – Jedrick Willis will solidify the bookends for a line that needed massive assistance.   

New York Jets | Pick 11:

Jerry Jeudy (WR)

With the Giants snagging Lamb in the top five with a receiver class loaded with potential stars, the Jets won’t be able to pass up on Jerry Jeudy at pick 11. With Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell making up a nice one-two punch, Jeudy will be that trio piece to potentially revitalize this offense for coach Adam Gase. Jeudy is a supremely gifted receiver that will instantly become the number one pass catcher on this offense that Jets fans will love.   

Las Vegas Raiders | Pick 12:  

Henry Ruggs (WR)

Under general manager Mike Mayock, the Raiders roster has taken a turn for the better with ample amounts of skill now set. Looking to create an offensive strategy opposing defenders will fear – Henry Ruggs will be a fabulous addition to the club. Some view Ruggs as a mere deep threat receiver, but we will argue that everyday of the week. Ruggs isn’t just a one trick pony and would provide Derek Carr another option with huge play ability. This would be a slam dunk for the Vegas Raiders.  

San Francisco 49ers (From Indianapolis) | Pick 13:  

Justin Jefferson (WR)

The 49ers knew they had salary cap issues looming and needed to make a trade involving a high-priced defensive player. Trading DeForest Buckner to the Colts for this pick could round out the entire roster and make the 49ers even better than last season. Needing to add more weapons to the offense to aid Jimmy Garoppolo, Justin Jefferson would become that reliable receiver who could be counted on weekly. Adding Jefferson to a group with Deebo Samuel – the prospects look fantastic.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Pick 14:  

Mekhi Becton (OT)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have changed the entire team dynamic with Tom Brady now running the show. With recent news breaking, the Bucs have also traded for Rob Gronkowski to help aid Brady in his pursuit of another super bowl. While defensive secondary is a large need as well, Tampa Bay will need to protect Brady in hopes to make this offense a powerhouse. While we could see Andrew Thomas the pick here at 14, Mekhi Becton is definitely no slouch. We simply can’t see this pick going any other way.   

Denver Broncos | Pick 15: 

Javon Kinlaw (DT)

Seeing the top receivers drop off the board when the Broncos time on the clock begins, we wouldn’t imagine seeing Elway not select the best player on the board. Javon Kinlaw is a behemoth of a man that would increase power and productivity for Denver with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. We could see wide receiver being the pick, but our money is on Kinlaw if it plays out this way.

Atlanta Falcons | Pick 16:

C.J Henderson (DB)

Many rumors are floating to suggest the Falcons are again entertaining the idea to move down the board for a coveted player. General Manager Thomas Demitroff has never been shy to maneuvering the draft to snag the individuals he wants. However, staying put at pick 16 to select C.J Henderson would not only fill a giant need, but would have great return on investment. The Falcons offense is a unit that still holds great levels of talent - now is the time to fix the defense. Henderson will help in making this side of the ball better.

Dallas Cowboys | Pick 17:

Kenneth Murray (LB)

Truly we struggled with the Cowboys at pick 17 as this roster doesn’t need a massive talent infusion. Looking at the roster as a whole, we could see defensive back or edge rusher being the logical choice - but injuries to Sean Lee and Leighton Vander Esch forced our hand in placing Kenneth Murray to Dallas. Murray is the best line backer on the board at this point and would make a huge difference in how this front seven operates. Murray would likely begin the year as a depth piece, but could take a starting role away from Lee. The Cowboys defense needs play-makers and this front seven would look spectacular with Murray added.   

Miami Dolphins (From Pittsburgh) | Pick 18:

Jonathan Taylor (RB)

Its no secret that the Dolphins roster needs work in basically all areas, but having a plethora of picks will allow them to move in many different directions. While we recognize that running back isn’t a popular choice these days in the first round, Jonathan Taylor would be a fabulous addition with Tagovailoa being the first pick for Miami. Taylor is a beast of a runner that could be leaned upon to help aid the progression of any young passer. With how our mock draft trade went down for Miami – Taylor should be the choice at 18.  

Las Vegas Raiders (From Chicago) | Pick 19:

Kristian Fulton (DB)

The Vegas Raiders are another team still enjoying the fruits of the Khalil Mack trade and will have another first round pick at their disposal. Snagging Henry Ruggs at pick 12 to help the offense, selecting Kristian Fulton from LSU would be a marvelous pick to help keep the defense moving in the right direction. Even though some believe that A.J Terrell is the safer choice – Fulton will fit in perfect with the Raiders.  

Jacksonville Jaguars (From LA Rams) | Pick 20:

Andrew Thomas (OT)

As we enter the back-end of the first round, the Jaguars find themselves fortunate to see Andrew Thomas still sitting on the board. Like we mention with their first selection, building in the trenches is the most important start for any rebuild or retooling. Thomas is a great talent that will be a day one starter and the Jags will get a gift at pick 20.

Philadelphia Eagles | Pick 21:  

Denzel Mims (WR)

The Eagles have been vocal this off-season in their desire to move on from Alshon Jeffery but would require adding more pieces before that can happen. Enter Denzel Mims to the city of brotherly love as his body type and skillset would be a nice welcomed addition. If the Eagles did choose to move on from Jeffery at some point after this pick, Mims could take over and be that big bodied pass catcher whose younger and far cheaper.  

Minnesota Vikings (From Buffalo) | Pick 22:

A.J Terrell (DB)

The Minnesota Vikings had a difficult start to the off-season thus far as salary cap concerns forced their hand in many moves. Losing many on the defensive side including three starting defensive backs – the Vikings traded Stefon Diggs to Buffalo to gain this pick in hopes to re-stock. Having an enormous need at the cornerback position, A.J Terrell would be a welcomed sight for relief. Some may feel that replacing Diggs could be the move here, but fixing that defense is priority one.    

New England Patriots | Pick 23:

K’Lavon Chaisson (Edge)

There are many who feel the Patriots would move up the board in hopes to find a replacement at quarterback for Tom Brady. While we aren’t in that camp, the systematic approach Bill Belichick takes every year should again come to pass. Having many holes on this roster which hasn’t been seen in many years, adding more pass rushing help is the obvious choice in our eyes. With offensive tackles and wide receivers likely filling the board to this point, New England will have their mouths watering with K’Lavon Chaisson ripe for the picking. The retooling starts on the edge to keep the defense very strong in 2020.

New Orleans Saints | Pick 24:  

Jalen Reagor (WR)

The Saints are a team that holds a roster truly loaded and not really having many needs whatsoever. Needing a center to replace the retired Max Unger, there is no situation where they make that pick here at 24. It’s no secret that Drew Brees could be playing his final season before he enters retirement, so adding more play-makers should be the natural move. Even with the addition of Emmanuel Sanders via free agency, Jalen Reagor would provide a dynamic to this offense we haven’t seen. Reagor would be a gigantic mismatch making this offense even stronger – scary thought for other NFL teams.  

Minnesota Vikings | Pick 25:

Tee Higgins (WR)

With Minnesota coming back to select a mere three picks after their first, finding an adequate replacement for Stefon Diggs should be next priority. Tee Higgins has seen his stock plummet after his pro day which didn’t provide teams with that warm fuzzy feeling. Nevertheless, Higgins is a talented player that will show well in the pros with his long strides and great catching ability. Higgins is very different than Diggs, but would create a great duo with Adam Thielen.

Miami Dolphins (From Houston) | Pick 26:

MOCK TRADE ALERT: Detroit Lions (From Pick 3)

A.J Epenesa (Edge)

Concluding the potential first round trade between the Dolphins and the Lions, we suspect Miami would be forced to give up the 26^th pick in that deal. With the Lions coming back to secure more defensive talent, A.J Epenesa would be a massive prize to help lift an anemic pass rush. If this trade would come to pass, having Simmons and Epenesa in Lions colors would be music to the ears of all Detroit fans.  

Seattle Seahawks | Pick 27:

Joshua Jones (OT)

With the last six picks of the first round possibly moving in many different directions, the Seahawks again find themselves looking to improve the offensive line. There is the potential for Seattle to snag an edge rusher with the loss of Jadeveon Clowney - but protecting Russell Wilson while keeping the run attack the strength of the club should be paramount. It’s possible Joshua Jones is already taken before pick 27, but if he’s here, Seattle is laughing all the way to the bank.  

Baltimore Ravens | Pick 28:

Xavier McKinney (S)

The Baltimore Ravens became a powerhouse of a team last season falling short of expectations. Losing in the divisional round to the Titans, the Ravens spent most of this off-season adding to the defense. That objective won’t stop in the first round in our eyes either, as drafting potential star Xavier McKinney would be magical for this defense. McKinney is an interesting player that can move into many different positions. Playing both safety and nickel back would allow Baltimore to scheme like no other. This would become a steal for the Ravens when all is done.   

Tennessee Titans | Pick 29:

Patrick Queen (LB)

The Titans as a whole do hold a roster that looks very sound on paper. While we could see offensive line being the greater need, the value may not be here to warrant the pick. Adding more weapons to the defense is where we should see them move and who better than Patrick Queen to help the line backer room. Creating a front seven that can dominate the point of attack will go a very long way in seeing the Titans challenge in getting back to the AFC championship. This is a very solid pick for Tennessee.

Green Bay Packers | Pick 30:

Yetur Gross-Matos (Edge)

While we like seeing the rumor-mill suggest the potential replacement of Aaron Rodgers begin selected here at pick 30, we won’t hold our breath. The Packers fell just one game short of reaching the super bowl a season prior and we can’t envision a situation where they wouldn’t add to make this roster more competitive. Defense was vastly improved a season ago and adding more rushers will go a very long way in the Mike Pettine system. The rich will continue to get richer.   

San Francisco 49ers | Pick 31:

Trevon Diggs (DB)

There is potential for the 49ers to trade down from pick 31 in hopes to garner more capital, but if a trade cannot be completed – Trevon Diggs would be a nice consolation prize. Needed more depth and future high-end pieces to keep this defense strong, Diggs is a talent that would elevate his play on a club loaded with talented players. This would be a very sound, key addition for the 49ers.

Kansas City Chiefs | Pick 32:  

D’Andre Swift (RB)

With the last pick of the first round, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in a position where adding more electric players to the offense will only make them more dangerous. We have never been full supporters of Damien Williams as the true lead back, so selecting D’Andre Swift would create a madden-esc squad like no other. Swift is a fabulous runner with loads of ability and would excel in this offense. Its almost unfair to suggest this will be the pick, but we stand firm.